The Music School of Delaware's Youth Symphony Orchestra recently traveled to Italy to perform in the American Celebration of Music held July 6-14.

The group joined students from the Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras. They were led by Delaware orchestra director Simeone Tartaglione and performed in some of Italy's most historically and culturally treasured performance spaces.

"The Delaware Youth Symphony Orchestra has grown tremendously over the past three years," Tartaglione said of the decision to tour. "We felt it was time to provide our players an unforgettable experience — to perform in renowned venues in Rome, Firenze and Cremona."

The American Celebration of Music is an annual festival sponsored by government officials, music associations and tourist boards around the world. The Delaware Youth Symphony Orchestra is open to students up to age 18 and puts on various performances throughout the year.

It is holding open auditions for students 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 9 and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 10 at the Music School's Wilmington Branch at 4101 Washington St.